Will McClendon Curtis Play More vs. Rams?

Las Vegas Raiders undrafted free agent rookie McClendon Curtis is fighting for a spot on the roster.

The Las Vegas Raiders picked up one of the top undrafted free agents after the 2023 NFL Draft by signing Tennessee-Chattanooga offensive lineman McClendon Curtis.

Curtis was projected to be a fifth or sixth-round selection, but ended up not being selected. The Raiders then gave him a large guaranteed contract, believing in his talent.

However, Curtis only played seven snaps against the San Francisco 49ers in the Raiders’ first preseason game. The Raiders have several offensive linemen on the roster, so it might have been difficult for Coach Josh McDaniels to find a time and spot to insert Curtis into the game.

The Raiders’ second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams is an opportunity for McDaniels and the staff to give more players playing time, and Curtis could benefit from that. A well-built, athletic offensive lineman, Curtis has the physical frame and arm length desired to play in the NFL.

Curtis, a 2022 FCS First-Team All-American, played guard and tackle for the Mocs, and part of why he might not have had as much opportunity in the first game is because the Raiders are still trying to determine where he fits best.

Sometimes, being a versatile offensive lineman is a gift and a curse. While they can play multiple spots, in Curtis’ case as an undrafted free agent, it might be better for him to find one spot on the line and remain consistent there, whether it is guard or tackle.

Whichever spot he ends up manning, the Raiders have several offensive linemen fighting for snaps. The right tackle competition is led by Jermaine Eluemunor and Thayer Munford Jr. The right guard spot is manned by Alex Bars, with Greg Van Roten behind him.

Curtis will have to be impressive if he earns more snaps against the Rams, as there are a few linemen ahead of him on the depth chart. Already fighting for a roster spot, the snaps he earns are going to be crucial.

Curtis is a talented offensive lineman, but he will need to show it against the Rams if he wants to find himself on the Raiders’ 53-man roster at the end of the month.

The Silver and Black return to preseason action when they play the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT.

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